Busy Homecoming weekend ahead for UF

October 11, 2010

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — This month’s Homecoming activities culminate this weekend with Gator Gallop, the 86th annual parade and Saturday’s game against Mississippi State.

The celebration has already included the pageant, an education celebration for professors and mentors, a concert and Soulfest, a multicultural showcase event with performances from student organizations.

The weekend starts at 11:15 a.m. Friday with Gator Gallop, a 2-mile run, starting at Percy Beard Track and continuing on to West University Avenue, ending at 13th Street. The parade starts at noon with an expected crowd in the thousands along West University Avenue.

Friday night, the Swamp will hold Gator Growl, UF’s pep rally where the 2010 Homecoming king and queen will be announced. Several nationally known comedians will be featured during the show.

On game day, an alumni celebration and barbecue will start about two and a half hours before kickoff at the O’Connell Center. Appearances will be made by the Dazzlers, cheerleaders and Albert.
Florida Blue Key, a leadership honorary at UF, provides the leadership and funding for Homecoming and Gator Growl.

Homecoming is one of the largest student-run productions in the world and this year’s theme is “Celebration of the Gator Nation.” To find out more information about all of the events, visit
http://www.ufhomecoming.org.